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Robert Halderman Arrested in David Letterman Extortion Attempt

by Blue Crush | October 1, 2009 at 06:25 pm

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David Letterman reveals on the "Late Show" airing tonight that he has been the victim of an extortion plot by Robert "Joe" Halderman, producer of CBS' 48 Hours.

Three weeks ago Letterman received a package from someone who claimed to have information about him having sexual relations with female staff. The person threatened to go public with their 'proof' unless Letterman paid them $2 million.

On the advice of Manhattan DA's office, he went ahead and gave a phony cheque to the extortionist, leading to their arrest.

Letterman told his audience on Thursday that he contacted the Manhattan District Attorney's Special Prosecution Bureau. That led to a sting operation, in which Letterman met with the individual and handed the person a fake $2 million check. That person was arrested on Thursday.

"This morning, I did something I've never done in my life," Letterman said on Thursday's edition of CBS' "Late Show." "I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury."

As part of the testimony, Letterman admitted that he had engaged in sexual relationships with staff members.

"My response to that is, yes I have. Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would," Letterman said. "I feel like I need to protect these people -- I need to certainly protect my family."

Letterman has been married just since March to Regina Lasko, but the couple has been together since 1986.

TMZ has learned the identity of the alleged extortionist who was arrested today for attempted grand larceny in the first degree. He is 51-year-old Robert Halderman who lives in Norwalk, CT. He is an employee of "48 Hours" and has been suspended pending results of the investigation.

This is not the first time Letterman has been the victim of an extortion attempt. Police revealed a plot in 2005 to kidnap Letterman's baby son, Harry, for a $5 million ransom. House painter Kelly Frank was later charged with the crime.

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Barry Artiste

at 18:50 on October 1st, 2009

Good for Dave

The_Cynic

at 20:46 on October 1st, 2009

I ditto that. I detest these people who do that. Same with the Travolta case.

Barbara McPherson

at 08:43 on October 2nd, 2009

Good for Dave to defuse the whole scandal mongering. How he deals with his private life should remain private.

Roy C

at 10:50 on October 3rd, 2009

In principle, I agree.

What if the whole fooling around thing smacked of harassment or of serial philandering on his wife?

I think the man may have compromised himself. He should not be blackmailed over it, but what you do to your employees who work with you at a publicly-traded corporation does go beyond your own business.